Oval cut.

Oval is essentially a round brilliant stretched lengthwise. Same 57-58 facet pattern, same brilliant optics, but the elongated outline gives it an apparent size advantage on the finger. A 1.5ct oval visually reads larger than a 1.5ct round.

Pricing runs 12-18% below round. Combine that with the visual size bonus and oval is the value play in fancy shapes.

The "bowtie effect" is the catch. Oval cuts have a subtle dark area across the middle of the stone where light fails to return. Excellent-cut ovals minimize it; poorly-cut ovals make it dominant. Always view an oval in person or on high-quality video before buying.

Length-to-width ratio matters. 1.35-1.50 is the classic balanced oval shape. Longer ratios look more elongated; shorter ratios look more egg-like. Pick based on finger length and personal preference.